News

COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. (WZZM) -- April 9 is opening day for the West Michigan Whitecaps and it will be the debut of their new radio announcer, Dan Hasty.

Dan Hasty gave WZZM 13 a behind the scenes tour of his broadcast booth in the suites behind home plate. In the booth he wears a headset and looks out at the field. "You can't beat that view," says Hasty, wearing a headset. "This is the most fun type of job you can ever ask for."

Hasty is a Central Michigan University graduate who started as an intern for the Great Lakes Loons baseball team in Midland nearly 10 years ago. His first game pitted the Loons against the Whitecaps, so now his broadcasting career has gone full circle.

He is excited to start calling plays for his new team. "I am real passionate guy. I really get into baseball, I love baseball," he explains. Listening to Hasty announce, you can hear the excitement in his voice.

COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. (WZZM) -- Founders Brewing has teamed up with the West Michigan Whitecaps to create a new bar featuring all Michigan brews.

The craft clubhouse is still under construction, but Whitecaps organizers said it will be ready by the April 9 home opener.

"The whole idea is that people ask for it and we give it to them-- they love these Michigan craft brews and Grand Rapids is a place that is known for their craft brews," explained Matt Timmon, director of food and beverage for the West Michigan Whitecaps. "It is a perfect opportunity to bring Founders in with some other craft brews and do something cool."

KENT COUNTY, Mich.-- The search for Kent Intermediate School District's next leader is over.

Grandville Superintendent Ron Caniff will replace Kevin Konarska, who is retiring. Caniff was the lone finalist left after West Ottawa Superintendent Tom Martin withdrew his application for the job. Caniff's final interview with the Kent ISD Board was held Tuesday.

“The Board is thrilled to welcome Ron Caniff as the next leader of Kent ISD,” said Kent ISD School Board President Claudia Bajema. “He brings 15 years of experience and the strong support of his peers.

“We are confident that the transition from Kevin to Ron will be very smooth, and that Ron will lead with the talent, energy, and interpersonal skills that we have enjoyed for the past nine years under Kevin’s leadership. We also wish Kevin all the best in the next phase of his life,” she added.

COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. (WZZM) -- A brewery in Comstock Park is now under the ownership of Oskar Blues, a brewing company in Colorado.

Perrin Brewing announced the sale last week. The two companies worked together in December to create a special beer called Cornlaboration.

We spoke with Oskar Blues marketing director Chad Melis, who says Perrin brews great beer, so the buyers hope to bring the brewery to the next level.

"At Oskar Blues we kind of joke that the pirates run the ship," Melis said. "There's no intention from us to go in from Colorado and change what Perrin is doing. The part that's engaging and very exciting for us to work with Perrin is who they are and what they bring to their community, and we're just going to help them do that and get to the next level."

COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. (WZZM) -- The votes have been counted, and the winner of the sixth annual Whitecaps food contest is Hot-To-Tot. In a tight race, the buffalo chicken and bleu cheese covered tater tot dish received 17% of the fan votes.

Hot-To-Tot will be on the menu at Fifth Third Ballpark this season. It will make its debut on Thursday, April 9 at the Whitecaps' home opener and will be served at the Mac and Cheese cart located on the concourse behind home plate.

The Whitecaps narrowed down a list of hundreds of menu ideas submitted by fans in January. The top 10 items were announced last month and fans voted for their favorite online.